The planes, a Gulfstream and a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, believed to be one of the most expensive private jets in the world, are in Russia and Dubai, according to an affidavit from an FBI agent to support the embargo order.
The Commerce Department also announced administrative charges against Abramovich. If held responsible, the maximum penalty could be as much as the value of the aircraft, said a government official.
U.S. actions are part of an effort to punish Russians known for being close to the Kremlin and pressuring Moscow’s economy to try to end the invasion of Ukraine.
Although Abramovich has not been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, a Justice Department official said the embargo order states that “no one is above the and not being on the OFAC list does not give you a license to evade sanctions or export controls. “
Authorities say U.S.-made planes entered and left Russia without obtaining licenses from the U.S. Department of Commerce. Aircraft and aircraft parts are subject to export regulations due to their potential military use and national security implications.
After Russia invaded Ukraine in February, the Commerce Department tightened sanctions and began demanding licenses for the export of aircraft, which previously did not need approval. In early March, Commerce also banned an American plane owned by a Russian national from being exported to Russia.
In an unusual move, the embargo order was made public and not sealed. The Justice Department official said the presentation was public to reveal the names of fictitious companies that the U.S. believes were used to protect real property and to encourage dialogue with banks, insurance companies and others to cooperate. .
The official said he also intended to send a message to anyone who would help those sanctioned or accused of violating U.S. laws who run “the risk of being considered obstructors.”
In the affidavit, the FBI agent described four layers of fictitious companies he had unleashed to track down the plane to Abramovich. The filing indicated that the FBI had located documents used to establish companies abroad, in jurisdictions beyond U.S. control and outside of its subpoena power.
These documents indicated that Abramovich was the owner of the companies that had bought the planes.
Authorities say the Gulfstream plane flew to Russia twice in mid-March, where it remains. In early March, the Boeing plane flew from Dubai to Russia and back to Dubai, where it remains. The Boeing, originally purchased for $ 93.6 million, was customized and is now valued at about $ 350 million, according to the FBI affidavit.
Andrew Adams, head of the U.S. KleptoCapture task force, which has confiscated two luxury yachts and bank accounts, told CNN earlier that they are taking a broad look at applicable laws and asset rates. which they can confiscate, regardless of the amount. where they are.
“These seizures will continue at a good pace, and people recognize that where seizures are occurring around the world are in the pockets of the world that may not have been expected,” he said earlier, adding: safe havens. “